So, what towns to visit from Paris?
I could easily spend days or weeks exploring Paris! It is a city of so much beauty and architecture.
BUT there are towns to visit from Paris that are just as amazing and should not be overlooked. Day trips out of Paris by train or car offer a perfect escape and something I did a lot of on my last trip.
I was surprised that a short trip from Paris could surround me with rolling fields near Mont St Michel, beautiful beaches in Normandy, and vineyards throughout the Loire Valley! Don’t get me started on the charming towns and historic sites of France.
So, if you have a trip to France coming up, here are some top towns to visit from Paris to add to your itinerary.
Don’t have time to read it all? Here are the top day trips and tours from Paris that we recommend.
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TIP: If you’re planning on renting a car in Europe, make sure to check out Rentalcars.com. Also, make sure your car is allowed to cross borders if you plan on driving into different countries. Compare car hire here.
Loire Valley and Amboise
Why Visit the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley region is known for its stunning châteaux, picturesque vineyards, and charming villages. However, Amboise was a highlight for me in the Loire Valley and one of my favourite towns to visit from Paris.
Amboise has historical significance as it was visited by many famous historical figures such as Anne Boleyn and Mary Queen of Scots.
The town is home to the Château d’Amboise, a royal residence that played a crucial role in French history and where you can visit Leonardo da Vinci’s final resting site.
However, if wine is more up your alley, staying in Amboise will allow you to venture out into the Loire Valley and visit some of their local vineyards. Short on time, check our this tour to the Loire Valley.
Sights to See The Loire Valley
- Château d’Amboise: A royal residence with stunning views of the Loire River.
- Clos Lucé: Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence, now a museum dedicated to his work and life.
- Château de Chenonceau: Known as the “Ladies’ Castle,” spanning the River Cher and is renowned for its beautiful architecture and gardens.
- Château de Chambord: A masterpiece of the French Renaissance, featuring a unique double-helix staircase.
- Château de Villandry: Famous for its exquisite Renaissance gardens.
- Vineyards and Wine Tasting: Explore the local vineyards and enjoy wine tasting tours to sample the region’s best vintages.
How to Get to Amboise by Train
Take a direct train from Paris Montparnasse to Amboise. The journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
How long does it take to drive to Amboise from Paris
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Paris. (Compare car rentals here)
Alsace Region: Strasbourg, Colmar, and Riquewihr
About and Why Visit Alsace Region
Alsace is a region in northeastern France, known for its picturesque half-timbered houses, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage.
I felt like I was on a Disney set when I visited!
While there are many towns to visit in the Alsace region, I visited the capital Strasbourg, which has a stunning cathedral and a beautiful old town.
Colmar is a fairy-tale town with colourful medieval buildings and canals.
Riquewihr was one of France’s most beautiful villages in my opinion. You might even recognize the fountain there from Beauty and the Beast!
Sights to See in Alsace
- Strasbourg Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece with an astronomical clock.
- Petite France in Strasbourg: A historic quarter with beautiful canals and half-timbered houses.
- La Maison des Têtes in Colmar: A Renaissance building adorned with numerous sculpted heads.
- Unterlinden Museum in Colmar: Housed in a 13th-century Dominican convent, featuring the Isenheim Altarpiece.
- Riquewihr Village: Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and wine cellars.
- Alsace Wine Route: A scenic drive through vineyards and picturesque villages, perfect for wine tasting. Try this tour.
How to to Strasbourg by Train
Take a high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Strasbourg. The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Strasbourg, you can take regional trains to Colmar and Riquewihr. However we recommend taking this tour.
How long does it take to drive to Strasbourg from Paris
Approximately 5 hours from Paris to Strasbourg. (Compare car rentals here)
Champagne: Épernay and Reims
Why Visit Champagne
When I started planning a trip to Paris, I had to include the Champagne region!
There are two famous towns, Épernay, which is home to the famous Avenue de Champagne, lined with prestigious Champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, and Reims, which has a stunning Gothic cathedral where French kings were crowned.
Sights to See in Champagne
- Avenue de Champagne in Épernay: Lined with prestigious Champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët.
- Reims Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage site and the coronation site of French kings.
- Champagne Tasting Tours: Visit renowned Champagne houses and enjoy guided tastings. We recommend this Champagne Tour.
How to Get to Champagne by Train
Take a direct train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Épernay or Reims. The journey to Épernay takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and to Reims about 45 minutes.
Drive Time to Champagne
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Paris. (Compare car rentals here)
Normandy Beaches
Why Visit the Normandy Beaches
For any World War II buffs, you need to add the Normandy Beaches D-Day landing sites to your itinerary.
Along with these beaches, I was surprised at how beautiful the towns and region were. The villages around them were so charming too!
Sights to See along the Normandy Beaches
- Omaha Beach: One of the primary D-Day landing sites, with a museum and memorial.
- Normandy American Cemetery: A poignant memorial overlooking Omaha Beach.
- Musée du Débarquement: A museum dedicated to the D-Day landings at Arromanches.
- Bayeux Tapestry: An 11th-century tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest of England.
- Pointe du Hoc: A strategic point captured by American forces on D-Day, now a memorial site.
- Utah Beach Museum: Dedicated to the history of the D-Day landings at Utah Beach.
If you’re short on time there are great day tours from Paris. We recommend this one.
How to Get There by Train
Take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Bayeux. The journey takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. From Bayeux, you can join a guided tour of the beaches. However, we would recommend taking a tour from Paris.
Drive Time to the Normandy Beaches
Approximately 3 hours from Paris. (Compare car rentals here)
Mont Saint-Michel
Why Visit Mont Saint-Michel
This was a bucket list item for me and a must when I visited France.
Mont Saint-Michel is a breathtaking island commune with an abbey perched atop. The tide changes around it so when it comes in, Mont Saint-Michel looks like it’s floating. The site has been a strategic fortification since ancient times and a place of pilgrimage for centuries.
Sights to See at Mont Saint-Michel
- Mont Saint-Michel Abbey: A marvel of medieval architecture with panoramic views. Prebook your entry tickets here (recommended)
- Ramparts Walk: Offering stunning views of the bay and surrounding landscape.
- La Grande Rue: A charming street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
- Eglise Saint-Pierre: A small, historic church on the island.
- Tomb of Saint-Aubert: The legendary founder of the Mont Saint-Michel abbey.
- The farmland around it: Exploring this on foot or bike. There are many trails.
If you’re short on time we recommend this Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris!
How to Get to Mont St Michel by Train
Take a train from Paris Montparnasse to Pontorson. The journey takes about 4 hours, including a transfer at Rennes. From Pontorson, take a shuttle bus to Mont Saint-Michel.
Drive Time to Mont Saint-Michel
Approximately 4 hours from Paris. (Compare car rentals here)
Dijon
Why Visit Dijon
When I found out Dijon was a day trip from Paris, this was an easy choice for me!
Dijon is the capital of the Burgundy region with beautiful architecture and is well known for its mustard.
Dijon is also renowned for its gastronomic heritage, which did not disappoint with its delicious wines and some of the best French food I ate. While your in Dijon consider taking a Burgundy Wines Masterclass.
Sights to See in Dijon
- Palais des Ducs: The former palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, now housing the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
- Dijon Cathedral: A Gothic architectural gem with stunning stained glass windows.
- Les Halles Market: A bustling market offering local produce, meats, cheeses, and more.
- Rue des Forges: A historic street lined with beautiful buildings and shops.
- Dijon Mustard Shops: Visit local shops to sample and purchase authentic Dijon mustard.
How to Get to Dijon by Train
Take a high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Dijon. The journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
How long does it take to drive to Dijon
Approximately 3 hours from Paris. (Compare car rentals here)
Versailles Town and Palace of Versailles
Why Visit Versailles
I originally wanted to visit the Palace of Versailles, the former royal residence of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette, but when I arrived, I was surprised at how charming the town of Versailles is.
Just like the Palace of Versailles is famous for its stunning architecture, the town had great architecture too!
After you’ve taken time to explore the palace, its lavish interiors, beautiful gardens and the famous Hall of Mirrors, take some time wandering the streets of Versailles.
We recommend pre-buying your tickers to Versailles Palace here.
Sights to See in Versailles
- Palace of Versailles: The grand palace with the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Grand Apartments, and the Royal Chapel.
- Gardens of Versailles: Expansive and beautifully landscaped gardens with fountains, sculptures, and the Grand Canal.
- Grand Trianon: A smaller palace used by Louis XIV as a retreat from court life.
- Petit Trianon: A more intimate palace associated with Marie Antoinette.
- Hameau de la Reine: Marie Antoinette’s rustic retreat, designed to resemble a quaint village.
- Versailles Market: A lively market with local produce, cheeses, and other goods.
How to get to Versailles by train
Take the RER C train from Paris to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche. The journey takes about 40 minutes.
How long does it take to drive to Versailles
Approximately 1 hour from Paris. (Compare car rentals here)
Rouen
Why Visit Rouen
Rouen is often overlooked, and I have to admit I nearly did too, however, I am very glad I didn’t.
It’s the historic capital of Normandy. Rouen is also famously linked to Joan of Arc, who was tried and executed there. While in Rouen, I visited the site of her execution, explored the beautiful architecture and visited their famous clock!
Sights to See in Rouen
- Rouen Cathedral: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, known for its beautiful façade and connection to Claude Monet.
- Church of Saint-Maclou: A flamboyant Gothic church renowned for its intricate details.
- Gros Horloge: An impressive astronomical clock dating back to the 14th century.
- Joan of Arc Historial: A museum dedicated to the life and trial of Joan of Arc, located in the Archbishop’s Palace.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen: One of France’s finest art museums, featuring works by Monet, Caravaggio, and Rubens.
- Aître Saint-Maclou: A former medieval cemetery with fascinating ossuary carvings.
When you arrive in Rouen we recommend taking a guided tour of the old town.
How to get to Rouen by train
Take a direct train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Rouen. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
How long does it take to Drive to Rouen
Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Paris. (Compare car rentals here)
If you are looking for more tips about visiting Europe? Make sure to check out my Essential Packing List for Europe in Summer! 2 or 4 Weeks and 24 Tips for Traveling Europe.
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